Anti-fracking forces protest at NC gov't building

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Members of a group opposed to a newly legal form of energy exploration in North Carolina shackled themselves to the doors of a state environment building before leaving peacefully with no arrests.

Seven people associated with Croatan Earth First linked themselves together Monday morning to block the front doors to the new headquarters of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Raleigh. Two of them also put bike locks through door handles and around their necks.

A few dozen protesters held banners and chanted their opposition to hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. The Legislature agreed to allow fracking this year but it can't occur until regulations are developed.

State Capitol Police Acting Chief Tony Asion said the protesters unchained themselves shortly after noon after talking to the media.